‘Twelve Sharp’ by Janet Evanovich
Published by ISIS Audio Books.
ISBN 0-7531-3674-0 (7 Cassettes or 7 CD’s)
Read by Lorelei King

Stephanie Plum has now given up trying to get a real job and has returned to being an inept Bounty Hunter. We pick up the story in the bonds office where Lula is parading her new outfit - it involves four-inch heels, gold spandex and a throng that has mysteriously disappeared into Lula’s nether regions - enough ! Connie Rosolli, Vinnie’s office manager, is trying to draw attention to the stack of unresolved skips. Now Ranger has his own security business most of the skips fall to Stephanie and Lula - the result being the need for a new bond enforcement agent.  The applicants are somewhat weird and much weeding out is required.

Attempting to clean up the FTA backlog Stephanie discovers that she is being stalked by a woman called Carmen, dressed all in black.  Ring any bells?   Between Stephanie’s dodging the mysterious crazed woman, trying to find a missing child, and her exciting encounters with both Ranger and Morelli, we do of course have the lighter side, that of Grandma Mazur. Not content with dignified attendances at the local undertakers, Grandma Mazur has joined a band.  The band consists of Grandma Mazur, Lula and Sally Sweet plus some drums and whatnot.   The costumes involve plenty of spandex. cleavage, throngs, zips, feathers and studded dog collars. Grandma Mazur invites them to rehearse at Stephanie’s mother’s home, just at the close of the pot-roast dinner. I have now read chapter nineteen five times -  the first time I laughed so much I couldn’t read for the tears streaming out of my eyes and I had to stop and mop up my face before I could continue.  I thought it couldn’t be that good a second time as I was prepared for it, but it was, and every time after that.

The audio also contains a interview of Janet Evanovich by Lorelei King. I found this fascinating, as JE explains how Ranger has changed over the books, becoming more educated, polished and taller! than originally perceived. JE lets quite a few

insights slip and I enjoyed this interview very much.

Lorelei King, what can I say, her interpretation of the characters in the JE books is just perfect, when I read one I now hear the characters as I have grown to know them from listening to her reading them.  Really excellent Lorelei.

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Lizzie Hayes